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AN 

ORATION, 

DELIVERED    AT 

CHAPEL.   HIL.L., 

ON    WEDNESDAY,    THE    23d    JUNE,    1830; 

The  day  preceding  Commencement,  at  the  University  of 
NORTH  CAROLINA; 

ACCORDING    TO 

THE  ANNUAL  APPOINTMENT 


THE  TWO  LITERARY  SOCIETIES 


BELONGING   TO    THE 


wiri'^am^i®^^ 


BY  THE  HON.  JOHN  H.  BRYAN. 


NEWBERN: 
PRIxNTED  BY  JOHN  I.  PASTEUR. 

1830. 


%- 


IF'! 


,Mv  Respected  Audiexce: 

In  pursuance  of  the  compact  niado  between  the  liicraiv 
Societies  of  this  Institution,  I  have  been  invited  to  address  )'0U. 
While  I  trust  that  I  duly  appreciate  the  honour  of  this  invi- 
tation, I  am  also  impressed  with  a  deep  sense  of  its  delicacy 
and  responsibility.  To  point  the  way  to  the  goal  of  oui 
being,  to  inculcate  lessons  of  virtue  and  true  wisdom,  upon 
the  rising  generation,  the  future  legislators  and  statesmen  of 
the  Republic,  to  excite  into  lasting  flame  tlie  sparks  of  high 
and  honourable  ambition,  would  more  comport  with  the  zeal, 
than  with  the  ability  of  your  addresser. 

Could  he  discharge,  with  usefulness,  the  humble  task  of  a 
just  and  faithful  counsellor,  to  those  who  are  annually  emer- 
ging from  the  walls  of  this  their  alma  mater,  to  engage  in 
the  pursuits,  turmoils  and  occupations  of  human  life ;  could 
he  inspire  them  with  that  regard  for  the  rights  and  feelings  of 
their  fellow  men,  and  that  devotion  to  their  country's  weal, 
which  would  make  them  upright  as  men,  useful  as  citizens, 
honest  as  statesmen,  pure  and  disinterested  as  patriots;  he 
would  feel  that  he  had  discharged  that  debt  which  every  citi- 
zen owes  to  his  country,  and  would  rejoice  in  being  the  ho- 
noured instrument  of  public  good. 

It  may  seem  an  idle  efiort  to  urge,  in  this  place,  and  to  this 
assembly,  any  argument  tending  to  shew  the  inestimable  value 
of  knowledge:  but  many  who  admit  this  proposition,  without 
hesitation,  are  not  governed  in  practice,  by  those  principle? 


or  rules  of  conduct,  which  follow  necessarily  from  its  admis- 
sion. I  trust,  then,  it  may  not  seem  a  useless  undertaking, 
to  contemplate  its  proper  effects  upon  the  mind  and  heart  of 
man,  and  upon  the  interests  and  happiness  of  society. 

It  has  been  remarked,  that  the  infancy  of  man,  the  noblest 
of  all  God's  creatures,  is  more  feeble  and  helpless  than  that 
of  any  other  animal.  The  early  portion  of  our  existence  is 
spent  in  a  dream-like  state,  when  all  things  appear  to  us 
robed  in  the  vestments  of  fancy,  and  reason  is  too  imperfect 
to  assert  her  sway.  This  is  the  period,  too,  when  the  mindt 
like  yielding  wax,  is  apt  to  receive  those  impressions,  which 
t^equently  maintain  their  stubborn  hold,  in  defiance  of  the 
dictates  of  our  riper  judgment,  and  against  experience  itself. 
How  important,  then,  is  it,  that  these  early  impressions  should 
bo  stamped  by  the  signet  of  truth  and  wisdom ;  that  ins'ead 
of  operating  as  natural  barriers  to  the  acquisition  of  know- 
ledge, they  should  facilitate  our  progress,  and  guide  us  in  our 
way. 

If  it  be  asked,  by  whom  are  the  tender  heart  and  budding 
intellect,  thus  to  be  inspired  with  proper  feeling,  and  illu- 
mined with  the  earliest  rays  of  knowledge?  I  answer,  by 
her  only,  whose  love  is  competent  to  the  task ;  by  her,  whose 
endearing  title  of  mother,  embraces  the  holiest  and  purest 
of  human  affections ;  whose  voice  and  smile  speak  to  the  in- 
fant heart,  and  find  there  a  ready  and  responsive  echo. — 
Some  of  the  most  illustrious  patriots  and  statesmen  of  all 
ages,  have  traced  their  greatness  and  glory  to  the  judicious 
care  of  a  devoted  mother,  and  have  felt  and  acknowledged, 
in  their  proudest  moments,  the  vivid  traces  of  her  tender 
hand..  The  Theban  patriat,  who  saved  his  country  at  Leuc- 
tra,  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  gratifying  results  of  his  glo- 
rious achievement,  that  it  would  gladden  the  heart  of  his 
aged  mother:  and  Americans  may  point  with  exultation  to 
the  Father  of  his  country,  whose  virtues  were  nourished  and 
cultivated  by  maternal  discipline.  When,  in  the  progress  of 
education,  the  family  mansion,  and  the  charms  of  home  are 
exchanged  for  the  habits  and  pursuits  of  college  life,  the 
youth  fiads  himself  in  a  novel,  interesting^  and  to  him,  mosr 


iijipoitiint  state.  He  nuist  now  rely  more  upon  Iiirnsclf,  I113 
judgment  is  called  into  action,  and  his  principles  are  often 
put  to  the  test.  lie  finds  his  young  associates  not  disposed 
to  yield  their  esteem  and  regard  to  the  adventitious  circum- 
stances of  birth  or  fortune — ho  must  earn  a  reputation.  No 
where  do  \vc  find  a  more  truly  republican  community,  than 
within  tlie  walls  of  an  American  college.  The  peculiar  ta- 
lent of  each  member  is  readily  developed,  and  duly  appre- 
ciated;  magnanimity  and  disinterestedness  arc  cheered  and 
encouraged,  while  meanness  and  duplicity  are  detected  and 
scorned.  A  generous  emulation  excites  to  an  ardent  pursuit 
of  knowledge,  and  success  is  rewarded  by  those  distinctions 
and  honours,  which  the  most  ambitious  have  highly  prized. 

Let  not  those  who  have  grown  grey  in  what  they  deem 
higher,  and  more  exalted  pursuits,  affect  to  look  with  indiffe- 
rence on  the  student's  toils  and  honours.  To  the  eye  of  en- 
lightened judgment,  the  successful  pursuit  of  science  is  far 
more  glorious,  and  productive  of  happiness,  than  the  attain- 
ment of  laurels  crimsoned  with  blood,  or  the  most  exalted 
poliiical  preferment. 

The  warrior  views  with  delighted  eye  the  glittering  co- 
Uimr>s  prepared  for  battle,  and  his  ear  drinks  with  avidity  the 
martial  sound  of  the  trumpet,  summoning  to  the  conflict^the 
statesman,  pale  with  care  and  anxious  thought,  smiles  with 
secret  satisfaction  at  the  effects  of  his  policy,  and  hugs  to 
his  bosom  the  fond  hope  that  his  laboured  schemes  will  even- 
tuate in  splendid  success.  But  what  is  the  issue»of  a  hun- 
dred victories]  Go  to  the  lonely  tomb  of  the  exile  of  St. 
Helena,  and  ask  the  shade  of  its  one  mighty  tenant.  The 
spell  is  dissolved,  the  illusion  has  vanished  ;  and,  as  if  touched 
by  the  spear  of  Ithuriel,  the  sad  reality  is  disclosed  in  all 
its  vanity  and  emptiness.  He  who  created  and  dethroned 
Kings  at  his  mere  will  and  pleasure,  and  whose  ambition  a 
continent  could  not  bound,  was  reft  of  his  own  sceptre,  and 
confined  to  a  small  island,  deprived  of  all  his  acquisition?, 
except  those  of  the  imperishable  mind. 

In  this  last  scene,  when  the  conqueror's  robe  was  laid 
aside,  and  the  voice  of  the  flatterer  no  longer  told  its  siren 


6 

tale,  Ins  early  education,  and  the  knowledge  liien  ncquired, 
remained,  and  stood  by  liiiii  as  his  firmest  and  most  faitliful 
wordly  support  and  comfort. 

If  we  trace  the  career  of  the  statesman  devoted  to  selt- 
figgrandizement,  are  we  conducted  to  a  nobler,  or  more  desi- 
rable end?  He  has  doomed  himself  to  contend  with  the 
prejudices  of  mankind  ;  to  enlighten  the  ignorant,  and  to  allay 
their  jealousies  ;  to  fix  the  wavering,  and  to  reanimate  the  des- 
ponding. .His  operations  are  continued  for  years;  his  heart 
is  often  sickened  by  hope  delayed  ;  and  the  alternate  lights 
and  shadows  of  the  popular  countenance,  are  watched  by  iiin- 
with  intense  anxiety.  The  shades  of  night  in  vain  invite 
him  to  repose :  he  pillows  his  head,  but  his  busy  mind  scorns 
to  rest;  new  designs  are  formed  for  the  ensuing  day,  and 
fancy  builds  her  tower  to  the  skies.  At  length  the  crisis  is 
at  hand,  tlic  day  comes  which  decides  his  contest  with  for- 
tune, and  the  sun  sets  upon  prostrated  hopes  and  viSiOns  o! 
greatness  dispelled.  But  let  us  assume  that  his  efforts  and 
toils  have  eventuated  in  success,  that  he  has  seized  the  gor- 
geous prize  with  which  ambition  lured  him.  Has  he  found 
what  he  sought  ?  Let  those  who  have  occupied  posts  most 
eminent  for  honour  and  dignity,  reply.  They  will  say,  that 
elevated  station  has  its  peculiar  cares  and  perplexities;  that  it 
is  incumbered  with  conflicting  and  irreconcilable  claims  pre- 
ferred by  friends,  each  of  whom  being  the  self-constituted 
judge  of  his  own  merits,  does  not  willingly  yield  to  his  rival  ; 
while  enemies,  rendered  more  imbittered  by  disappointment, 
are  watchful  to  mark  and  expose  the  slightest  aberration  from 
duty,  and  to  impute  dishonourable  and  degrading  motives  to 
actions  prompted  by  an  honest  regard  for  the  public  weal. 
They  will  confess  that  the  charms  of  their  station  appeared 
far  more  enchanting  when  viewed  in  the  distance ;  that  pos- 
session has  robbed  it  of  its  glorious  hues,  and  that  disap- 
pointment and  satiety  have  supplanted  the  eagerness  and  no- 
velty of  enjoyment. 

But,  it  may  be  asked,  is  the  votary  of  science  shielded  from 
the  piercings  of  disappointment's  thorn  1  It  is  not  necessary 
for  our  purpose  to  contend  that  he  is  exempted  from  the  com- 


nion  lot  of  humanity;  but  we  do  contend,  liiaf  his  |)ursuiis  arc 
far  more  ennobling  to  tiic  mind  and  lieart,  and  phicc  his  hap- 
piness much  more  within  his  own  control,  than  those  which 
we  iiave  reviewed,  and  which  usually  excite,  in  a  much  higher 
degree,  ihe  admiration  of  the  world.  Though  his  car  be  not 
greeted  with  the  loud  iiuzzas  of  an  applauding  people,  yet 
he  has  his  joys  which  are  not  tiic  less  permanent,  on  account 
of  their  being  more  placid  and  serene.  The  successful  solu- 
tion of  a  difficuit  problem  in  mathematics,  caused  Archimedes 
to  exclaim  with  rapture,  "Eureka!  Eureka!"  and  his  subsc- 
riuent  rcfleciions  upon  this  Iriumpli  of  intellect,  must  have 
been  far  more  duliglilful,  than  the  conqueror's  recollections 
of  the  battle-field,  strewn  wiiii  the  dead  and  dying,  with  all  its 
dismal  train  of  weeping  widows  and  bereaved  orpiians.  Bu' 
is  the  fame  of  tiic  warrior  or  statesman,  more  enduiing  than 
that  of  the  poet  or  pliilosopher?  Vv  ill  Horace  or  Virgil  sink 
into  forgetfulness,  sooner  than  their  master,  the  imperial 
Augustus?  or  rather,  will  not  the  Emperor  be  indebted  for 
an  immortality  of  fame  to  the  humbler  toils  of  t!ie  poet? — 
Wiien  Horace  exclaimed  with  prophetic  rapture — 

" 'Me  periius 

Discct  Iber,  Rhoiiaiiique  potor,'' 

iiow  would  he  have  exulted,  could  he  have  foreseen  that  iiero, 
in  a  world  then  unknown,  lie  would  have  been  so  universally 
read  and  admired  ;  that  in  this  spot,  where  the  wild  beast  of 
the  forest  had  his  lair,  and  creation  slept  undisturbed  by  the 
voice  of  civilized  man,  a  temple  of  science  would  have  been 
eared,  in  which  he  would  have  occupied  so  conspicuous  a 
niche. 

If  we  compare,  in  relation  to  their  usefulness  to  their  fellow 
men,  the  warrior  and  the  philosopher,  how  much  tnorc  worthy 
is  the  latter,  of  our  love  and  veneration.  The  philosopher 
looks  upon  creation  with  a  desire  to  ascertain  its  author  and 
its  end  ;  nouglit  escapes  his  observation  and  reflection  :  in  the 
dew  drop  that  sparkles  on  the  spray,  as  well  as  in  the  im- 
mense ocean  that  surrounds  the  globe,  he  perceives  the  de- 
s-ign  of  an  all-wise  and  omnipotent  Being.  His  mighty  mind 
i-s  not  bounded  by  the  world  he  inhabits;  "he  looks  through 


siature,  up  to  nutate's  UoJ  ;"  in  llic  ardour  of  liis  puiSuit,  'ue 
visits  other  worlds,  and  communes  with  the  heavenly  intelli- 
gence that  moves  them  in  their  "  circling  orbs."  lie  sees 
every  where  the  manifested  hand  of  Deity,  and,  lost  in  amaze- 
ment at  the  stupendous  power  and  infinite  wisdom  which  even 
the  feeble  light  of  human  science  reveals  to  him,  he  involun- 
tarily exclaims  with  the  royal  psalmist,  "  Lord,  what  is  man, 
that  thou  art  mindful  of  him,  or  the  son  of  man  that  thou  re- 
gardest  him."  His  reflections  lead  him  to  self  contenipla- 
lioi),  to  the  study  of  man,  as  a  being  endowed  with  glorious 
faculties,  a  living  temple  in  which  a  spirit  dwells — a  spirit 
whose  desires  extend  far  beyond  the  brief  space  of  time  allot- 
ted to  the  existence  of  the  body,  and  is  ever  busy  in  devising 
plans  for  being  remembered  in  future  ages.  He  feels  with- 
in him  a  monitor  which  suggests,  in  "a  still  small  voice,"  but 
in  a  language  not  to  be  misunderstood,  that  he  is  accountable 
for  his  conduct  to  some  tribunal,  which  does  not  derive  its 
authority  from  man.  The  example  of  the  Deity,  to  him  so 
sensibly  displaying  benevolence  in  all  his  works,  the  internal 
joy  which  he  derives  from  doing  good,  and  the  misery  con- 
sequent upon  doing  evil,  all  admonish  him,  that  good  will 
towards  his  fellow-men  is  enjoined  upon  him  by  a  law  of  his 
nature.  And  has  this  law,  he  inquires,  (unlike  all  others,) 
no  sanction?  Is  this  high  behest  of  Deity,  which  is  written 
upon  the  Heavens  as  it  were  with  sun-beams,  and  inscribed 
upon  the  heart  of  man  by  the  finger  of  his  Creator,  to  be  vio- 
lated with  impunity]  The  proud  oppressor  of  his  fellow- 
man,  he  who  imbrues  his  hand  in  his  brother's  blood,  and 
consumes  in  luxury  and  prodigality,  the  bread  of  the  wi- 
dow and  orphan,  often  mocks  the  imbecility  of  human 
justice,  or  shoves  by  its  arm  with  "gilded  hand."  Shall 
he  make  no  atonement  hereafter?  Appeal  to  the  wretch 
himself,  and  he  must  confess,  that,  oft  at  midnight's  dreary 
hour,  he  feels  the  power  of  the  world  to  come.  It  is  not  ia 
human  sophistry  always  to  delude,  and  even  gold  cannot  bribe 
his  conscience  to  grant  him  repose.  If  these  pursuits  thus 
lead  us  to  a  knowledge  of  the  Deity  and  ourselves,  how  vastly 
more  important  are  they  to  mankind,   than  all    those  whicit 


9 

terminate  with  mortal  life,  and  are  buried  with  us  in  the  grave 
of  oblivion. 

But,  when  we  moreover  consider,  what  essential  aid  the 
cause  of  revealed  Religion  has  received  fronj  learning,  how 
nobly  it  has  sustained  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer  in  every 
age  and  in  every  clime;  how  its  polished  shafts  have  flown 
to  the  succour  of  the  Herald  of  the  Cross,  we  find  renewed 
sources  of  admiration  and  delight.  An  attempt  to  do  justice 
to  the  S:ubject  in  this  point  of  view,  would  more  become  one 
who  fills  the  hallowed  office,  and  sustains  the  venerated  cha- 
racter of  the  head  of  this  Institution,  than  the  individual 
who  now  addresses  you. 

Having  thus  essayed  to  exhibit,  in  some  of  its  more  pro- 
minent features,  the  paramount  utility  of  knowledge  properly 
applied,  as  regards  man  individually,  I  will,  with  the  indul- 
gence of  my  audience,  direct  their  attention  to  ils  impor- 
tance to  society,  or  to  man  in  a  social  state.  If  ever  there 
was  a  time  when  nations  were  governed  by  mere  force  and 
power,  that  time  has  long  since  gone  by:  men  are  now  go- 
verned by  opinion,  it  is  this  that  sustains  equally  the  throne 
and  the  curule  chair.  It  is  this  persuasion  of  the  mind  that 
pre-eminently  sustains  all  free  governments.  The  remark, 
perhaps,  may  be  justified,  that  of  all  the  nations  of  the  Earth, 
these  LTnited  States  are  m()re  indebted  for  their  present  en» 
viable  political  condition,  to  that  general  diflusion  of  intelli- 
gence, and  that  spirit  of  enquiry  into  the  principles  of  go- 
vernment, v/hicli,  in  their  colonial  state,  prevailed  among  the 
people.  The  operations  of  government  were  watched  with 
a  jealous  eye ;  they  had  the  learning  requisite  to  know,  and 
the  independence  necessary  to  assert,  their  rights.  The  me- 
morials, documents,  and  state  papers  of  the  revolution^ 
evince  vigorous  and  cultivated  intellect,  extensive  research, 
and  deep  conversation  with  the  ablest  jurists  and  political 
writers.  Though  Hampden  and  Sidney  were  covered  by  the 
clods  of  the  valley,  their  mantles  had  fallen  upon  Adams  and 
Jefferson,  and  the  fire  of  their  zeal  and  energy  had  not  waned 
in  brilliancy  and  fervour  by  its  transmission  across  the  broad 
Atlantic.  " 

B 


10 

The  nttcntive  reader  of  English  liistory  cannot  avoid  re- 
marking the  similarity,  in  many  respects,  between  the  revo- 
lution of  168S,  in  England,  and  our  own.  In  both,  the 
objects  at  j/?rsf  avowed  were  the  same,  the  redress  of  grie- 
vances, committed  under  colour  of  law;  and  the  vindication 
and  establisiiment  of  rights  claimed  as  constitutional.  The 
same  doctrines  were  declared  by  the  eminent  statesmen  who 
conducted  these  mighty  operations,  and  the  same  authorities 
appealed  to  for  support.  The  whole  controvers}',  in  England, 
resolved  itself  into  a  question,  involving  the  rights  and  powers 
of  the  people  to  participate  in  remodelling  their  form  of 
government;  and  by  the  assembling  of  a  convention,  which  was 
supposed  and  intended  to  represent  all  the  people  of  England, 
and  by  the  resolutions  of  that  convention  recognizing  an 
"original  contract"  between  the  ruler  and  the  governed,  the 
advocates  of  free  government  had  established  a  principle, 
which  was  well  calculated  to  preserve  civil  liberty  in  health 
and  vigour. 

But  the  American  revolution  may  be  traced  to  a  higher 
source:  it  was  a  scion  of  a  more  robust  and  hardy  tree:  its 
germ  may  be  discovered  in  that  uncompromising  spirit  that 
prompted  Hampden  to  resist  the  payment  of  a  trifling  impo- 
sition, which  he  deemed  arbitrary  and  illegal ;  in  that  for- 
titude and  energy  which  conducted  to  these  shores,  men 
who  preferred  a  dreary  wilderness,  and  all  its  horrois,  with 
civil  and  religious  liberty,  to  all  the  comforts  and  joys  of 
civilized  life,  without  them. 

At  this  distant  day,  enjoying,  as  we  do,  the  blessings  of 
plenleousness,  and  the  security  of  peace  and  freedom,  under 
a  mild  government,  in  which  we  all  participate,  our  ima- 
gination can  with  difficulty  be  roused  to  a  just  view  of  the 
sacrifices  which  our  ancestors  endured  to  attain  them. 
Famine  and  the  tomahawk  combined  in  carrying  on  the  work 
of  desolation  and  misery;  and  often  would  llic  happy  wife 
and  mother,  who  had  caressed  her  smiling  babes  when  she 
retired  to  rest,  be  wakened  by  the  terrific  war-whoop,  and 
find  herself  widowed,  childless  and  captive.  For  many  years, 
the   colonies,  struggling  on  through  a   {€th\e    and    perilous 


11 

int'ancy,  round  aiDple  employment  in  defending  tlieir  homes 
and  firesides  against  the  incursions  of  the  savage  foe  ;  and 
when  at  length  they  attained  a  degree  of  strength  sufficient 
to  enable  them  to  stand  alone,  the  Legislature  of  the  mother 
countr}'  undertook  to  prescribe  their  path  and  guide  their 
steps.  They  were  considered  ns  members  of  the  Empire,  for 
the  purpose  of  being  governed,  but  not  for  the  purpose  of 
participating  in  the  powers  of  government  :  they  were  made 
the  subjects  of  laws,  in  the  enactment  of  which  their  voice 
was  not  heard  ;  and  the  victims  of  a  policy,  which  sought,  by 
artificial  means,  to  build  up  the  prosperity  of  Britain,  by  a 
selfish  monopoly  and  direction  of  their  trade  and  resources. 
The  issue  of  the  controversy  which  arose,  is  known  to  the 
world,  and  affords  an  instructive  admonition  to  all  rulers,  who, 
in  the  exercise  of  power,  are  prone  to  forget  right. 

As  North  Carolinians,  we  may  indulge  the  honest  and 
commendable  pride,  that  the  citizens  of  our  own  state  were 
the  first  to  abjure  ai!  political  connexion  with  their  oppres- 
sors, and  to  proclaim  independence,  pledging  for  its  support, 
in  language  s/rtce  become  hallowed,  their  lives,  their  fortunes, 
and  their  sacred  honour. 

On  the  territory  of  our  state,  unuor  tlic  auspices  of  Sir 
Walter  Raleigh,  in  15S4,  the  standard  of  England  was  first 
planted  in  American  soil,  and  the  first  attempt  made  to 
found  her  Empire;  and  on  her  territory,  in  1775,  was  the 
flag  of  American  Independence  first  unfurled. 

The  termination  of  the  war  of  the  revolution,  though  it 
left  our  country  victorious  in  the  field,  yet  placed  her  in  an 
attitude  of  great  political  delicacy  and  peril. 

The  articles  of  confederation  only  bound  the  states  together 
in  their  sovereign  capacities  ;  and  the  acts  or  resolutions  of 
the  old  Congress  only  operated  upon  the  states  by  requiring 
tiiem  to  fulfil  their  engagements.  These  requisitions  were 
often  inefiectual  ;  many  of  the  states  were  tardy  in  complying 
with  their  federal  duties,  and  the  delinquency  of  one  frequently 
afforded  a  pretext  or  excuse  for  del.iy  and  omission  on  the 
part  of  anodier.  The  federal  treasury  was  empty ;  public 
■:redit    was  destroyed  ;  the  soldiers   who   had   achieved  the 


12 

i-evoluijon  were  beggared  by  success,  and  complained  loudly 
and  bitterly  of  the  ingratitude  of  their  country.  Some  of  the 
states  had  adopted  conflicting  regulations  of  commerce,  others 
were  disputing  about  their  boundaries.  Jealousies  and  ani- 
mosities had  arisen  :  the  heart  of  the  patriot  had  well  nigh 
sunk,  within  him,  and  the  enemies  of  freedom  were  already 
exulting  at  the  prospect  of  disunion  and  its  necessary  horror?. 
To  avert  the  portending  storm,  a  convention  was  assembled, 
of  the  most  tried  and  eminent  sages  and  patriots  of  the  land, 
who,  with  the  Father  of  his  country  at  their  head,  framed,  and 
recommended  for  adoption,  the  present  federal  ccnstitutron. 
This  constitution  was  submitted  to  conventions,  elected  by 
the  people  in  each  of  the  states,  and  was  successively  adopted 
by  all  of  them. 

It  has  been  sometimes  remarked,  that  our  state  was  among 
tlie  last  to  ddopt  this  constitution.  By  recurring  to  the  debates 
of  her  convention,  it  will  be  seen  that  her  delay  arose  from 
motives  which  originated  in  the  jealousy  of  freemen,  and 
highly  exalt  her  character  for  political  sagacity  and  foresight ; 
that  in  fact  her  delay  did  not  arise  from  a  want  of  attachment 
to  the  union,  or  a  deep  sense  of  its  necessity,  but  from  a 
desire  to  have  the  constitution  so  modified,  as  would,  in  her 
opinion,  secure  a  more  lasting  union.  Her  attachment  to  the 
union  was  strikingly  manifested  by  her  final  adoption  of  the 
constitution,  notwithstanding  her  honest  objections,  and  before 
the  amendments  which  she  deemed  essential  had  been  incor- 
porated into  that  instrument — while  the  subsequent  ratifi- 
cation of  several  of  the  amendments  which  she  proposed,  fully 
justified  her  scruples  and  delay. 

It  may  be  remarked,  too,  that  they  are  not  always  the  most 
prompt  and  faithful  in  fulfilling  obligations,  who  are  most 
ready  to  contract  them,  and  although  our  state  may  have 
been  among  the  last  to  ratify  the  constitution  as  it  was  sub- 
mitted to  her,  yet  to  preserve  and  protect  and  defend  it,  to 
manifest  good  faith  and  loyalty  in  the  fulfilment  of  federal 
duties,  she  has  always  been  among  the  first. 

To  us,  upon  whom  has  descended  this  rich  inheritance,  the 
fruit  of  the  blood  and  toils  of  our  ancestors,  is  more  especially 


13 

i'mposeJ  the  sacred  duty  of  transmitting  it,  unimpaired  and 
unincumbered,  to  our  children. 

If  experience  sludl  discover  defects  in  it,  llie  wisdom  of  its 
franicrs  has  provided  a  mode  of  amendment  by  which  liiey 
can  be  supplied  or  removed:  it  contains  within  itself  a  prin- 
ciple of  renovation,  by  which  new  lite  and  energy  may  be 
imparted  to  it. 

If  doubts  arise  as  to  its  construction,  a  high  tribunal,  guard- 
ed from  all  improper  indncnce,  as  fir  as  human  wisdom  can 
shield  it,  has  been  |)rovided  to  solve  these  doubts.  It  is  the 
just  boast  of  the  American  system  of  polity,  that  the  judicia- 
ry is  clevated'to  the  rank  of  a  co-ordinate  department  of  go- 
vernment; its  independence  is  thus  firmly  established,  and  all 
temptation  to  deviate  from  the  path  of  its  exalted  duty  is 
removed  or  prevented.  While  adverting  to  the  federal  ju- 
diciary, I  trust  I  may  be  pardoned  lor  directing  your  atten- 
tion for  a  moment  to  that  eminent  man,  who  has  now  for 
thirty  years  presided  over  its  iiighest  tribunal,  and  to  whose 
lot  it  has  fdlen,  more  than  to  that  of  any  other  man,  to  inter- 
pret authoritatively  the  provisions  of  the  federal  constitu- 
tion. Questions,  most  momentous  and  most  embarrassing, 
have  been  solved  by  his  gifted  intellect,  as  by  intuition;  and 
the  arguments  by  which  his  decisions  have  been  sustained, 
while  they  are  intelligible  to  -the  meanest  capacil}',  are  such 
as  to  reflect  honour  on  the  Iiighest  intellect.  Though  con- 
tending politicians  may  not  always  acquiesce  in  his  conclu- 
sions, yet  none  can  doubt  the  strength  and  depth  and  clear- 
ness of  his  mind,  or  the  uprightness,  integrity,  and  purity  of 
the  Judge.  It  happened  to  the  author  of  these  fugitive  re- 
marks, in  company  with  a  distinguished  citizen  of  this  state, 
in  the  summer  of  1825,  to  visit  the  late  Ex-President,  John 
Adams,  who,  though  bending  under  the  weight  of  four  score 
and  ten  years,  yet  retained  much  of  that  dignity  of  demeanour, 
eloquence  cf  expression,  and  vigour  of  intellect,  which  so  emi- 
nently characterized  the  great  Orator  of  the  old  Congress. 
The  name  of  Chief-Justice  Marshall  was  mentioned,  and  he 
seemed  "  firt-d  at  the  sound."  "There  is  (says  he)  no  act 
■'  of  my  life,  on  which  I  reflect  with  more  pleasure,  than   the 


14 

"appointment  of  John  Marshall  as  Chief-Justice  of  the 
•'  United  States.  I  have  given  to  my  country,  a  Judge  equal 
"  to  a  Hale,  a  Holt,  or  a  Mansfield." 

To  resume  my  subject,  we  have,  then,  a  constitution,  form- 
ed by  the  wisest  heads,  and  purest  hearts ;  by  those  who  had 
been  tried  long  and  severely  ;  who  knew  well  the  mischief, 
and  have  provided  the  remedy.  It  comes  recommended  to 
us  by  every  thing  that  can  command  veneration,  and  confi- 
dence, and  love.  With  reference  to  this  great  family  com- 
pact, we  may  all  exclaim,  in  the  language  of  an  illustrious 
patriot  and  statesman,  "  We  are  all  federalists,  we  are  all 
republicans." 

The  main  design  of  this  instrument  was  to  form  a  general 
government  which  should  be  intrusted  with  the  exercise  of 
those  powers  which  the  members  of  the  confederacy  could  not 
separately  exercise,  without  disturbing  the  harmony,  or  inju- 
riously affecting  the  interest  of  the  others :  the  great  powers 
of  making  war,  forming  treaties,  regulating  commerce,  and 
conducting  the  foreign  intercourse  of  the  Union,  are  of  this 
class,  and  accordingly  were  confided  to  the  federal  govern- 
ment. 

The  exercise  of  any  power  by  this  government,  should  be 
deduced  from  the  charter  by  which  it  was  created  ;  but  in  this 
deduction,  the  reasoning  of  politicians,  whose  integrity  and 
intelligence  cannot  be  doubted,  essentially  varies,  and  their 
conclusions,  on  many  important  subjects,  are  utterly  irrecon- 
cilable. These  different  versions  of  the  same  instrument, 
involve  considerations  and  consequences  deeply  interesting 
to  our  country,  and  hostile  to  her  peace.  Even  now  it  would 
seem  that  our  Union  is  menaced,  and  language  is  uttered  which 
must  grieve  the  heart,  not  only  of  the  American  patriot,  but 
of  the  philanthropist  and  lover  of  freedom  in  every  clime. 

It  is  very  far  from  the  intention  of  your  addresser,  to  im- 
pute disloyalty  to  the  constitution,  to  all  who  utter  the  lan- 
guage of  passion,  much  less  to  those  who,  sincerely  believing 
that  its  letter  and  spirit  have  both  been  violated,  remonstrate 
with  boldness  and  feeling.  It  is  well  known,  that  some  who 
thus  feel,   and  thus  speak,  are  men.  high  minded    men,    who 


15 

soar  above  the  grovelling  considerations  of  self,  and  who 
have  proved  their  devotion  to  their  country's  weal,  by  conducl 
not  to  be  mistaken.  But  admitting  that  a  wrong  construction 
of  the  constitution  has  prevailed  and  been  enforced,  is  there 
no  redress  within  its  pale  ?  Cannot  patriotism,  and  intelli-' 
gence  combiiied,  devise  a  remedy]  When,  in  1798,  the  pas- 
sage of  the  Alien  and  Sedition  laws  fearfully  agitated  our 
country,  the  ])atriotic  and  enligiilened  statesmen  of  those  days 
appealed  to  their  sister  states,  and  a  revolution  was  cfTecled 
in  public  opinion,  by  the  arms  of  reason  ;  the  obnoxious  laws 
were  repealed,  and  harmony  was  restored  to  the  Union. 
The  constitution  empowers  the  Legislatures  of  two-thirds  of 
the  states  to  require  a  convention  to  be  called,  for  the  purpose 
of  modifying  it ;  and  surely  no  friend  of  his  country  can  hesi- 
tate between  this  appeal,  and  another,  of  a  character  too  direful 
to  be  thought  of.  If,  then,  all  the  departments  of  the  federal 
government  should  concur  in  sustaining  a  law,  which  h 
deemed  by  the  Legislature  or  people  of  a  stale,  to  be  a 
palpable  infraction  of  the  constitution,  even  this  would 
not  justify  the  adoption  of  the  "last  resource."  There  is 
still  an  appeal  to  Caesar — the  sovereign  power,  the  con- 
stituents of  the  federal  government,  or  in  the  language  of 
Mr.  Jefi'erson,  to  their  "  employers?"  Who  are  the  em- 
ployers of  the  federal  government — surely  not  any  one 
state,  nor  the  people  of  any  one  state.  This  government,  we 
are  told  by  one  of  the  purest  and  most  enlightened  of 
tlie  sages  who  formed  it,  (the  venerated  Madison,)  is  national 
in  many  of  its  features.  In  one  of  his  essays  recommending 
its  adoption,  he  says,  "The  House  of  Representatives  will 
"derive  its  power  from  the  people  of  America,  and  the  peo- 
"  pie  will  be  represented  in  the  same  proportion,  and  on  the 
"same  principle,  as  they  are  in  a  Legislature  of  a  particular 
"state.  So  far  the  government  is  national,  not  federal."*  If 
a  majority  of  the  people  and  of  the  slates  of  the  Union,  by 
their  representatives,  concur  in  an  exposition  of  the  constitu- 
tion which  any  one  state  may  deem  an  infraction  of  the  funda- 


'  See  the  Federalist,  No.  xxxis. 


10 

menial  charter,  I  will  not  say  that  the  consti;ulion  can  be 
thus  enlarged  or  diminished  ;  but  surely,  in  every  such  case, 
the  protesting  state  might  yield  obedience,  without  compro- 
mising her  rights,  until  this  construction  could  be  reviewed 
and  settled,  either  by  the  judiciary,  or  the  proper  constituents 
of  the  government;  and  it  would  seem  that  those  constituents 
who,  by  the  provisions  of  the  conslitution,  could  grant  the 
power,  would  also  be  competent  to  settle,  definitively,  any  con- 
troversy respecting  the  nature  and  extent  of  powers  ahead v 
granted,  or  whether  any  power  claimed,  has,  or  has  not  been 
•franted. 

The  sages,  founders  of  the  republic,  certainly  could  not 
I'ontemplate  that  the  "  ultima  ratio"  should  be  resoried  to, 
to  explain  and  vindicate  the  meaning  of  this  charter  of  our 
liberties.  If  this  dire  calaniiiy  should  befall  us,  we  may  well 
fear  that  the  wrath  of  offended  heaven  has  fallen  upon  us, 
and  that  wo  are  maddened  for  destruction.*  While  we  con- 
cede much  to  honest  intentions,  and  to  zeal,  pure,  though  in- 
temperate, it  is  not  to  be  disguised,  that  this  disease  of  the 
body  politic,  has  lured  that  bird  of  ill  omen,  the  demagogue,  to 
make  his  baleful  appearance.  While  the  noble  ship,  obedient 
to  her  helmsman,  gallantly  ploughs  her  way  through  the  waves 
to  her  destined  port,  the  ravenous  monsters  of  the  deep  are 
feft  unheeded  behind  ;  but  when  overtaken  by  the  tempest,  she 
becomes  crippled,  and  unable  to  wing  her  flight ;  or  when 
visited  by  pestilence,  the  "  sullen  wave"  receives  the  "  frequent 
corse,"  then  the  ravenous  shark  is  her  constant  attendant, 
and  fattens  on  her  wretchedness.  So  does  the  demagogue 
grow  into  bloated  greatness  upon  his  country's  woe. 

But  there  is  a  redeeming  spirit  in  the  intelligence  of  our 
people;  and  there  is  a  spirit  which  can  bid  the  troubled  waves 
"  be  still."  Let  us  hope,  rather,  for  the  interposition  of  both, 
than  despair  of  the  Republic.  With  respect  to  our  own  state, 
if  the  emergency  should  require  it,  she  will  boldly  vindicate 
her  loyalty  to  the  Union;  she  will  call  upon  her  sons  to  re- 
member the  glory  of  their  sires,  to  shrink  not  in  the  day  of 


''■•■Q.iipm  dons  viil!  perilerP;  priiis  elemental.' 


17 

peril  from  the  defence  of  that  flag,  which  has  so  long  waved 
over  them,  and  secured  to  them  every  political  blessing. 

And  our  University,  founded  by  our  ancestors  to  difluso 
through  our  country  that  knowledge  which  is  the  life  of  liber- 
ty, and  which  they  regarded  as  one  of  the  main  bulwarks 
of  freedom,  will  call  upon  her  alumni  to  vindicate  her  mater- 
nal care,  and  sliow  themselves  too  wise  to  be  deluded,  and 
too  virtuous  to  be  corrupted.  But  it  cannot  be  that  any  por- 
tion of  this  confederacy,  when  duly  enlightened,  will  persis'. 
in  a  continued  career  of  Injustice  lo  another.  We  are  in- 
formed, by  the  highest  authority,  that  the  constitution  is  the 
result  of  a  spirit  of  mutual  forbearance  and  concession  ;  let  it 
be  but  administered  in  that  spirit,  and  discord  will  cease,  and 
the  now-jarring  chords  will  be  attuned  to  s^'mphony. 

It  is  then,  at  last,  to  the  intelligence  and  virtue  of  the  peo- 
ple, that  we  must  look  for  political  salvation.  I  cannot  con- 
clude this  part  of  my  address,  without  directing  the  attention 
of  this  assembly  to  the  emphatic  and  admonitory  language  of 
the  Father  of  his  country,  in  his  Farewell  Address  to  his  fel- 
low-citizens : 

"  Promote,  then,  (say  he)  as  an  object  of  primary  impor- 
"  tance,  institutions  for  the  general  diffusion  of  knowledge." 
"  In  proportion  as  the  structure  of  government  gives  force  to 
"  public  opinion,  it  is  essential  that  public  opinion  should  bo 
•'enlightened." 

As  I  am  now  speaking  in  the  presence  of  those  to  whose 
care  is  committed  (he  momentous  task  of  rearing  the  youtli 
of  our  country,  [  trust  I  may  be  indulged  in  n)aking  h  few 
suggestions  on  the  subject,  which  I  do  with  great  deference. 
Constituted  as  we  arc,  any  system  of  education  must  be  de- 
fective, which  does  not  embrace  in  its  plan  a  discipline  of  the 
body,  which  does  not  enjoin  exercise  and  temperance — these 
are  what  may  be  termed  bodily  viitues,  which  require  their 
share  of  culture  and  patronage. — Many  of  our  noblest  quali- 
ties depend  greatly  for  their  perfection  oti  the  health  of  the 
body — the  "mens  sana  in  corporc  sano,"  is  greatly  to  be 
desired. 

r 


18 

riie  Persians  are  liiglily  commended  by  Xcnoplion,  foi 
training  their  3'outli  in  habils  of  bodily  exercise  and  tempe- 
rance, and  inuring  them  to  trials  of  fortitude. 

The  ancient  Greeks  and  Romans  devoted  much  time  and 
care  to  athletic  exercises;  and  to  the  discipline  and  courage 
thence  acquired,  may  be  ascribed,  in  no  small  degree,  their 
military  success. 

The  modern  systems  of  education  seem  to  err  on  the  other 
extreme,  and  not  duly  to  appreciate  the  intimate  union  and 
sympathy  between  mind  and  bodj-.  Too  often  do  we  see 
the  votary  of  science  depressed  by  debility  and  disease,  and 
health  and  cheerfulness  of  temper  unnecessarily  sacrificed  to 
the  attainment  of  learning.  While  the  rays  of  science  illu- 
minate tho  mind,  the  hectic  glow  of  consumption's  hidden 
fire,  oft  inflames  the  cheek  of  her  imprudent  volar}'. 

Another  common  error,  which  I  would  venture  to  remark, 
is  the  frequent  confounding  of  learning  with  education.  Many 
j)ersons  store  their  minds  with  a  varied  mass  of  knowledge, 
where  it  lies  in  chaos  and  disorder,  useless  to  its  possessor 
and  the  world,  and  are  deemed  well  educated :  whereas,  the 
proper  and  most  valued  effect  of  education,  is  to  discipline 
the  mind,  and  fit  it  by  its  habits  for  the  acquisition  of  know- 
ledge. 

The  mind  itself  is  to  be  cultivated,  and  enlarged,  and  its 
powers  and  capacities  increased.  The  learning  which  we 
acquire  at  the  schools  is  not  intended,  nor  supposed  to  be  all 
that  is  necessary  for  our  useful  action  in  life  :  here  we  merely 
lay  the  basis,  upon  which  we  are  hereafter  to  rear  a  super- 
structure, whose  design  or  model  is  often  unknown.  In  a 
country  like  ours,  so  vast  in  territory,  so  diversified  in  cli- 
mate and  resources,  man  pursues  his  happiness  in  various 
wa3's,  stimulated  by  that  cncourEigement  which  a  fr^e  govern- 
ment gives  to  talent  and  enterprise.  Every  walk  of  life  is 
open  to  the  aspiring,  and  perseverance  and  honesty  rarely  fail 
of  eventual  success.  Here,  more  than  in  any  other  countr}', 
man  may  be  considered  as  "  the  architect  of  his  own  fortune." 
Those  who  rely  upon  intellectual  employments  for  advance- 
ment, must  not  suppose  that  tliey  have  chosen  a  life  of  easr 
and  induleencc. 


19 

Indolence  is  fatal  to  mental  energy,  and  neglect  will  cause 
the  finest  gold  to  become  dim. 

The  hill  of  science  must  be  climbed  by  persevering  toil, 
and  labour  itself  must  be  pleasant*  to  the  pilgrim  who  wends 
his  way  to  its  sun-lit  summit. 

On  this  eminence,  the  citadel  of  Liberty  is  situate — from 
iicnce,  the  distant  approach  of  every  foe  may  be  descried, 
and  due  preparation  made  for  defence. 

On  this  eminence,  too,  Religion  has  erected  an  altar,  and 
invoked  from  the  skies,  a  yet  more  glorious  liberty ;  a  liberty 

Unsung 

By  poels,  and  by  Senators  unpraised, 

Which  moiiarclis  cannot  grant,  nor  all  the  powers 

Of  Earth  and  Hell  confederate  take  away  : 

A  liberty,  which  persecution,  fraud, 

Oppression,  prisons  have  no  power  to  bind, 

Which  whoso  tastes  can  be  enslaved  no  more, 


Labor  ipse  voluptas 


